What are dues?
Dues are small contributions by our union's members and are fundamental to keeping our organization thriving. Members of our union, House Officers Union pay a base dues-rate set at the AFSCME Council 75 miniumum rate of 1.27% of salaries. The minimum is $22.95 per month; 2025 maximum is $90.25 per month. Here is a breakdown by PGY level for AY '26:
Why are members so important?
Our members power our union and this pays off. If you look at the graph (above; right) you will see that our members only make a small contrution (~$1000 annually; dark green) to ensure a better financial future for House Officers, AND IT PAYS OFF! Our members make the difference– meaning we are earning over $15,000 more annually than if we had did not have a union.
Who decides our dues amounts?
The base dues amounts are voted by all state AFSCME locals at convention, including our Union. House Officers currently pay the base dues rate set by the AFSCME state constitution. However, our members can decide to increase our dues for more benefits at any of our general member meetings.
Are there benefits of being a member?
Non-members receive the same contractual provisions and representation as members, but dues-paying members receive many benefits that non-dues paying members do not. 
In addition to having a voice in your union, all AFSCME members are eligible for the AFSCME Advantage program. Union members get discounts on a variety of products and services, including
1. Auto, life, pet, and renters insurance
2. Legal services / financial planning
3. Vacation tours and car rentals
4. Books, computers, floral delivery, gym memberships and more!
Do union dues go to politics?
Yes, because your dues go toward defending your contracts, jobs, and benefits. Due to the nature of the work our members do, it's critical we engage with public officials to advocate, lobby, and win on issues like good budgets, workplace safety, fighting privatization, and defending PERS. At AFSCME, Just 0.94% of your dues goes towards politics. For the average member, that means about fifty-cents per month.
The elected-members of our Political Action Committee (PAC) decide how policital dollars are spent. Any member can run for the Committee and have a say in the process. That money can only be used in local elections in Oregon, not federal races. Generally, it is used to support pro-worker candidates of either party, fight for/against ballot measures, and support PERS defense. For partisan races, our PAC regularly supports candidates from all political parties, it's really about where they stand on issues.